From Texas Longhorns On SI · · 2m
Arch Manning says sorry to Holly Rowe
A quarterback's one-line joke about an AI clip turned into a public apology, and a reporter's quiet reply.
In brief
A quarterback's one-line joke about an AI clip turned into a public apology, and a reporter's quiet reply. Laughing along with an AI fake still costs the real person in it, and Manning owned that within a day. Originally reported by Texas Longhorns On SI.
The apology lands
Texas quarterback Arch Manning posted on Instagram apologizing for comments he made at Monday's press conference. He had gone quiet since.
What he actually said
Asked about an AI-generated video showing coach Steve Sarkisian slapping ESPN reporter Holly Rowe, Manning laughed it off with four words.
“that was a good one”
Nothing funny about it
In the post he called the remark insensitive and refused the easy exit of saying he didn't mean it.
“There is nothing funny about it. It's easy to say I didn't mean it, but I know my words and actions were hurtful to a lot of people.”
Naming the person hurt
He singled out Rowe specifically, pointing at what she personally absorbed because of his joke rather than apologizing to the internet at large.
“I specifically want to apologize to Holly Rowe for what she has personally had to deal with because of my comments.”
Grace behind the scenes
Manning said Rowe showed him grace privately and that he owes her better. He promised to be more thoughtful going forward.
“I need to do better and will be more thoughtful going forward.”
Rowe answers publicly
She posted back on Instagram, thanked him, and closed the matter in a few lines.
“Apology accepted. We move forward with respect and kindness for one another.”
The rest stays private
Rowe said the two had a conversation about the situation and that it will stay between them. No details, no drip feed.
“I appreciate our conversation about this, which will remain private.”
Where the video came from
After the Texas-Ohio State game, Sarkisian skipped his postgame interview with Rowe on ABC, threw up a Hook 'Em, and joined the team to sing the Eyes of Texas. The clip went viral, then someone faked a worse version.
The game underneath it
Manning had just led a 24-23 comeback over then-No. 1 Ohio State in Austin, going 23 of 37 for 195 yards with a touchdown and a pick.
Twenty points down
Texas trailed 23-3 entering the fourth. Manning ran three drives of 10-plus plays, Hollywood Smothers tied it from a yard out with 25 seconds left, and Gianni Spetic's extra point won it.
Next up
No. 1 Texas hosts UTSA on Saturday at 7 p.m. CT, with the apology settled and the season still in front of them.
What to remember
Laughing along with an AI fake still costs the real person in it, and Manning owned that within a day.
